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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: GsFla on June 20, 2008, 07:16:07 AM

Title: Hopefully new GS Owner here, but have a question.
Post by: GsFla on June 20, 2008, 07:16:07 AM
Hi, I'm looking for a motorcycle and the GS fits the bill. I found one locally but the guy has run it without the exhaust can. I'm no mechanic but isn't that a really bad idea? He says the motorcycle shop he goes to for parts says it isn't damaging the bike. Anyone with more GS knowledge than me care to give me their opinion? Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Hopefully new GS Owner here, but have a question.
Post by: Fry on June 20, 2008, 07:58:20 AM
I believe most engines run better with some amount of back pressure provided by the exhaust system/can.

So I'd say it probably didn't hurt the bike, but it definitely didn't make it any faster.

To the prior owner the loud noise coming out of the unbaffled system probably tricked him into thinking he had more H.P.
Title: Re: Hopefully new GS Owner here, but have a question.
Post by: dgyver on June 20, 2008, 08:00:34 AM
I am guessing that there is a header and the muffler has been cut off. Lack of back pressure will hurt performance some (no smart arse comments... S*****h <----- Shhhhh I am Incognito ... ). It could be running a little lean which it could have some minimal valve damage. I have heard of some running this way without any problems, except being loud and possible hearing damage.

I would put a can back on, prime candidate for a fabricated slip-on or better yet a full system.

Do you know how long it has been run this way?
Stock air filter or aftermarket?
Have the carbs been rejetted?

If the price is right I would not worry about it.

Title: Re: Hopefully new GS Owner here, but have a question.
Post by: GsFla on June 20, 2008, 08:12:01 AM
The owner said the bolt came off and the muffler fell off. I haven't seen the bike, just pictures but it looks ok. It's a 2004 for $1500 so the price is right, even with replacing the exhaust can. I don't want an aftermarket, I like quiet and I'm sure stock will be fine. I looked on ebay but there was no stock used cans available.

I'm a bit worried about damage that might have been done to the valves, but I do think highly of the shop he has had work done to the bike, so maybe there was no damage internally.

The owner seems like a pretty up right guy, was honest about the loss of top speed, which is a bit worrisome anyway. I'm going to go look at it today so we shall see.

Thanks for all the advice.

Oh, is the black GS the fast one? :)
Title: Re: Hopefully new GS Owner here, but have a question.
Post by: dgyver on June 20, 2008, 08:28:18 AM
Quote from: GsFla on June 20, 2008, 08:12:01 AM
...
Oh, is the black GS the fast one? :)

Only when going down hill.  ;)
Title: Re: Hopefully new GS Owner here, but have a question.
Post by: Unknown on June 20, 2008, 08:35:12 AM
Quote from: dgyver on June 20, 2008, 08:28:18 AM
Quote from: GsFla on June 20, 2008, 08:12:01 AM
...
Oh, is the black GS the fast one? :)

Only when going down hill.  ;)

whats that supposed to mean?! :mad:
Title: Re: Hopefully new GS Owner here, but have a question.
Post by: anthonyd5189 on June 20, 2008, 09:00:58 AM
I would just spend the $300 on a Full Jardine exhaust system.
Title: Re: Hopefully new GS Owner here, but have a question.
Post by: mojonixon on June 20, 2008, 03:56:58 PM
The black one is the best one!
Title: Re: Hopefully new GS Owner here, but have a question.
Post by: ohgood on June 20, 2008, 04:06:47 PM
you didn't mention the specifics, like milage, overall condition, tires, etc.

post some pictures down around the tires, chain, underside, etc and folks can point out the witness marks.

some bikes are fine, others are complete shaZam!. all depends on how she was beat on. :)
Title: Re: Hopefully new GS Owner here, but have a question.
Post by: mojonixon on June 20, 2008, 04:12:39 PM
I would spend the least amount of cash on a stock system either from here or Ebay, make sure the motor is straight before spending big cash just to find out the motor needs valve work.
Title: Re: Hopefully new GS Owner here, but have a question.
Post by: GsFla on June 20, 2008, 07:43:11 PM
Hey guys, thanks for the advice. He sold the bike yesterday, but I do know where there are two more, more expensive but in much better shape. I will say this board is pretty cool, maybe not quite as busy as sites for other bikes I'm interested in, but maybe a little less attitude. Thanks.
Title: Re: Hopefully new GS Owner here, but have a question.
Post by: The Buddha on June 20, 2008, 08:11:36 PM
The no can cases are usually subject to a slight possiblity of valve damage because when you shut it off, cold air will enter and cool the valves down too fast and possibly warp them. However for that the header will have to be cut/broken in the first 12 inches or so. The header is long enough to keep that from occouring. You want a can - I ahve a nice yosh for 100.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: Hopefully new GS Owner here, but have a question.
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on June 20, 2008, 10:40:33 PM
dammit buddha, you always come up with the good stuff when i cant justify spending it, or after ive spent moeny on my exhaust  :mad: :mad: :nono: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Hopefully new GS Owner here, but have a question.
Post by: The Buddha on June 21, 2008, 06:05:23 PM
Your exhaust cost 30 cents ... come on admit it, you just followed a hayabusa and when he started to cut it off, you hid in the bushes and when he turned to get the next side you ran away with it  :thumb: I am not singling you out, I also have a few cans I got that way.
Cool.
Buddha.